World Geography PAP

Welcome to World Geography.  Using the methodology of both regional and thematic geographical applications, you will learn about the physical and human geography of the seven continents of the world.  You will be required to know how to read, analyze, recognize and use various different types of maps, charts and documents.  Your interpretations will be based on the five themes of geography.  You will also be required to know the countries and capitals of the world.  We will “travel” to a new region every six weeks.

Expectations of the class:

In this class, it is essential that you keep up with your reading, complete all maps with care and effort, and come prepared for class every day.  Homework is an important tool used to solidify the information covered in class, and will help to prepare you for class, district and state exams.  Because geography is a very exact science, effort and detailed work is important. 

Textbook and supplemental materials:

We will be using both the text book, World Geography, and supplemental materials provided by me.  You must have all required resources in class every day.  You will lose points if you are missing your materials.

Tests:

You will be tested on material from the book, homework and classwork.  This means it is important to keep everything I give you in class; it is all fair game!  Any and all of it could end up on a test.

Quizzes:

These will mainly be your vocabulary quizzes, which will be held once a week.  You are responsible for looking up the words and learning the definitions.  If you have difficulty finding any of them, it is your responsibility to come and ask for help.

Mapwork:

This will be done as both classwork and homework.  Because location and regional analysis is essential in a geography course, it is important to take maps seriously.  Maps are always to be labeled, with a key, compass and title.  They are to be colored carefully.  There will be at least one map test per six weeks and counts as a test grade.

Homework:

You will be expected to read and do assignments nightly.  All are posted on the class website.  It is your responsibility to listen in class and write down any additional homework that I mention.  You are more than welcome to double check with me at the end of class to be sure you wrote everything down correctly.  I will not accept excuses on homework and I rarely write the homework on the board.  All homework is due at the beginning of class, unless otherwise directed, and will be counted as late if it is turned in after the bell.

Six Weeks’ Project:

You will be expected to complete a project during each six weeks’ grading period.  The project will encompass many of the concepts that are essential within the study of geography and will focus on the region of study of the grading period.  The assignment will be given during the first two weeks of the grading period and should be worked on consistently.

Miscellaneous:

This category will encompass any group work, missing materials and class discussions that we may have during the year.  This is also where class participation and behavior will affect your grade.

Absences:

If you are absent, you have three days from your return date to turn in missing assignments.  It is your responsibility to find out what you missed and to do the work.  I  am in my classroom on Wednesday mornings from 8:15-8:45 if you have any questions or concerns, and you can often find me in my room at other times throughout the day.  Remember, you know best how you are doing in the class, and if you are worried, the sooner you come to ask, the sooner we can start working on a solution.

Late Work:

I accept late work for two days after the due date, per department policy.  If it is turned in late, the highest grade it will be given is a 65%.  Use this as a last resort.

Resources Required:

World Geography by Daniel Arreola

(1) 3-subject notebook, with at least 120 pages

(1) 3-ring binder (suggested size 1 inch spine)

Filler paper (it must by 8 ½ by 11 inches, college rule)

Blue, black, red pens ONLY

1 package of colored pencils (no markers)

**You must have all of these resources in class every day.  This means that if you are getting low on paper, you need to replace it.

Grading Weights

Map Tests:                              10%

Vocab Quizzes:                        10%

Maps (product):                      20%

Classwork:                              15%

Homework:                              15% 

Six weeks’ project                             10%

Six Weeks’ exam:                    15%

Miscellaneous:                           5%

Total:                                      100%

Please remember that your final semester grade is comprised of your grade for each six weeks, plus your final.

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